The Howl: An Open Mic and Film Forum

The Howl will serve as a multimedia forum to explore storytelling and filmmaking as powerful tools for architects to create a more compelling, equitable, and sustainable built environment.

Stories shape the way we perceive our surroundings. The process of placemaking is full of narrative arcs, both subtle and explicit, especially in the making of the home. When architects design, however, the driving narrative is often overshadowed by practical matters. These original narratives become forgotten, and a new narrative, often an afterthought, is developed to fit whatever vision the architect, developer, or marketing team believes will best promote the final project. However, if certain principles of storytelling are applied, the driving narrative can be revived, revisited, and drawn upon to create more meaningful messages. The heartfelt stories that embody works of architecture remind people of what we strive for: healthier, happier, and more meaningful places to live.

With opening remarks by Bill Kramer, Chief Executive Officer of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and an open mic moderated by filmmaker Mark Slagle, co-founder and executive producer at 1504, a narrative studio that designs stories at the intersection of culture and community, this interactive gathering will welcome guest speakers and the audience to demonstrate how the design for every project has a compelling story behind it that is just waiting to be told. Food and drinks will be served.

Moderator:
Mark Slagle, Executive Producer and Co-founder, 1504

Introductory Comments:
Bill Kramer, Chief Executive Officer, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

Guest Storytellers:
Talisha L. Sainvil AIA, NOMA, LEED, 2022 AIA Brooklyn President, American Institute of Architecture; Founder, 40 Six Four Architecture Design 
Karen Solomon, AIA, CDT, Prinicipal, Gensler
Ronaldo Vega, RA, DBIA, Senior Project Executive, NYC Department of Design and Construction
Yutaka Takiura, AIA, Architect, TD+A

About the Moderator:
Mark Slagle is Executive Producer and Co-founder at 1504. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Slagle has led story initiatives for NPR, the American Red Cross, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Slagle is also a founding member of Brick & Wonder, a Manhattan-based membership community for design, real estate, and communication and marketing professionals.

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